See some surprising items professional organizers can't live without

Expert Approved

Expert Approved

We asked organizing experts for the eight must-have organizing tools they use in their own homes. Click through to see their product choices—some standard, some unusual.

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Pot Racks

Pot Racks

"You can fit two base cabinets' worth of pots on a simple rack," says Joseph Provey, author of 1001 Ideas for Kitchen Organization. Some great ones are available, like this semicircle wrought-iron one. For a DIY solution, attach S

Expert Approved

We asked organizing experts for the eight must-have organizing tools they use in their own homes. Click through to see their product choices—some standard, some unusual.

Shutterstock

2Of9

Pot Racks

"You can fit two base cabinets' worth of pots on a simple rack," says Joseph Provey, author of 1001 Ideas for Kitchen Organization. Some great ones are available, like this semicircle wrought-iron one. For a DIY solution, attach S

Courtesy of AbesofMaine.com

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Dishpans

Big enough to hold liquid detergents, cleaning supplies and rags, they slide right under the sink. Deniece Schofield, author of Kitchen Organization Tips and Secrets, also recommends them for use as a deep, accessible "drawer" ins

Courtesy of HardwareStore.com

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Backsplash Racks

"I hang utensils on a rack behind my sink," says Lauren Lake, host of HGTV's Spice Up My Kitchen. With 18 inches of available space, on average, the backsplash is also perfect for a shelf to hold soap or sponges. Wall Shelf, $1

Courtesy of IKEA.com

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Toolbox

"It doesn't take up a lot of space, and always gets used," notes Provey about the benefits of an all-purpose toolbox. Stock yours with a tape measure, screwdrivers, glue, all-purpose lubricant, oil, twine, a small cabinetry hammer, pictu

Courtesy of AliceSupply.com

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Ice Cube Bins

At just $5, these 5-inch-wide wonders are sturdy and ideal for corralling smaller, less-used cabinet items, says Schofield, who fills hers with extra votive candles, toothpicks and other small things. Ice Cube Bin by Sterilite, $4.99;

Courtesy of Amazon.com

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Dry-Erase Markers

These handy markers are great for dating frozen foods, labeling glass jars and marking the bottom of plastic food storage containers as a way to tell if there's more stock in the pantry. "If I'm running out of oregano, I flip over the co

Courtesy of Staples.com

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Wire Grids

With a few S-hooks, these basic grids make tidy catchalls for your most commonly used items, such as pot lids, giant spoons, dishtowels and even recipes strung together on a notebook ring, says Lake. Wall Grid Storage System, $17.79;